An Allied Air Cargo aircraft experienced a tyre burst on Wednesday, causing it to skid off Runway 22 at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja. The incident occurred at 10:05 a.m., with five individuals on board, according to a statement from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).
FAAN spokesperson, Mrs. Obiageli Orah, confirmed that all passengers were safely evacuated and taken to the FAAN clinic for medical evaluation. No injuries were reported.
The airport’s runway has been temporarily closed, leading to significant delays in departures as authorities work to clear the affected area. FAAN assured the public that the runway will reopen as soon as possible.
“The Airport Emergency response team is on the scene along with accident investigators. The runway is being cleared and is expected to reopen for operations shortly,” the statement read.
The agency thanked the public and the aviation community for their patience and urged against speculation until the Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) releases its preliminary findings.
FAAN emphasized its commitment to ensuring passenger safety and minimizing disruptions.
See the full statement below:
Cargo Airplane Skids-Off Runway, Crew Members Evacuated
At 10:05am on December 11, 2024, an Allied Air Cargo aircraft with registration number 5N-JRT skidded off Runway 22 at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja with five (5) souls on board with no reported injury.
They were all safely evacuated and taken to the FAAN clinic for further checks.
The Airport Emergency response team is on the scene along with accident investigators.
The runway is being cleared and is expected to reopen for operations as soon as possible.
We would like to thank the aviation community and the general public for their understanding and patience.
We also request that all speculation be put on hold until the preliminary report is released by the Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB).
Mrs. Obiageli Orah
Director, Public Affairs & Consumer Protection